AUGUSTA, Maine — Maine is now accepting ideas for a new state flag design that voters could decide to approve in November.
Secretary of State Shenna Bellows announced the design contest Friday, which was Flag Day, and noted the Legislature approved a proposal last year to let voters decide whether to pick a new flag modeled after the 1901 version with a pine tree and blue star on a buff background.
While anyone can submit ideas by 5 p.m. on July 19, designs must largely look like the original 1901 version by including the buff background, pine tree in the center and a five-pointed blue north star in the upper corner.
Any submitted flag “should be so simple that a child can draw it from memory and can be easily recognizable from a distance” under the specifications. Children need a signature from a parent or guardian to submit designs, and submissions cannot feature any words or plagiarized or copyrighted images.
“Approving a new model flag is a duty I proudly undertake because the symbols that represent us, the symbols that unify us as a state and nation, matter a lot,” Bellows, a Democrat, said. “It’s a debate delightfully free of politics in that your choice of design has nothing to do with party.”
An advisory panel will review all submissions and narrow them down to five recommended designs for Bellows to choose from before the Nov. 5 referendum. The state will hold a news conference with the finalist at a to-be-determined date before the election to unveil the design that voters will then either approve or not approve.
The referendum on the ballot will ask voters: “Do you favor making the former state flag, replaced as the official flag of the State in 1909 and commonly known as the Pine Tree Flag, the official flag of the State?”
The state flag debate has taken place for years and led to passionate discussions over Maine’s symbols and heritage. The current, official flag dating to 1909 has the state seal with a pine tree, moose, seaman and farmer on a blue background.
Its defenders, including many Republicans in the State House, say it properly reflects Maine’s heritage, but proponents of the 1901 version say it is more distinguishable and seen more often outside homes or on apparel.
“I’m looking forward to seeing what Mainers suggest the model flag should look like,” Bellows said.
